The Catch

Yrsa Daley-Ward, celebrated as one of Britain's most remarkable literary voices, showcases her storytelling skills in "The Catch," a debut novel that's both original and deeply engaging. This darkly lyrical work explores the intricacies of Black womanhood and family dynamics, making it a must-read according to Irenosen Okojie. Eloghosa Osunde praises it as a fascinating narrative that challenges perceptions and meanings. Florence Welch describes Daley-Ward's prose as holding the essence of truth.The novel delves into the lives of twin sisters, Clara and Dempsey, who have been distanced from each other since their mother mysteriously disappeared into the Thames. As adults, their relationship remains strained until Clara spots a woman in London who resembles their mother, Serene, unchanged by time and having lived a life without children. While Clara, a well-known author seeking acknowledgement, insists that this is their mother, Dempsey, isolated by choice, is convinced she's a fraud. This conflict propels the sisters toward a confrontation that threatens their very essence, forcing them to confront their shared past. Through her captivating exploration of identity and choice, Yrsa Daley-Ward creates a vivid multiverse resonating with themes of daughterhood, motherhood, and self-discovery. Her standout debut confidently poses the thought-provoking question, "How can it ever, ever be a crime to choose yourself?"